Featured Supporter:Marty Perlmutter

Run/Bike/Tri Your Own Race Program 1,400 Miles to Maine for Roy Gross

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Marty’s Story:

Posted: August, 2012

On June 17, 2012, Marty Perlmutter, of Miami, Florida, will embark on an ambitious 1,400 mile bike journey that will take him through 13 states up the Eastern seaboard. Marty is riding to honor his best friend Roy Gross, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, who lost his battle with multiple myeloma earlier this year. While calling Roy every day while he was in the hospital, Marty knew he wanted to do something big to make a difference in the lives of myeloma patients. He decided to plan an epic cycling trip from Jacksonville, Florida to Kittery, Maine. When Roy Gross passed away on March 9, 2012, leaving instructions for friends and family to donate to Marty’s ride for the MMRF in lieu of flowers, Marty was more committed than ever to carry through with his plans. He intends to raise $20,000.

Marty and Roy, along with their wives Bobbie and Pam, took vacations together for more than 20 years, skiing and laughing their way through destinations from the Caribbean to Europe. Marty and Roy shared a love of golf and a sense of humor, and inspired by the movie Grumpy Old Men, affectionately called each other “Putz” and “Moron.” Said Pam, “After giving my husband the gift of laughter throughout his illness, Marty’s plans for this biking adventure became a meaningful final gift that moved Roy to tears. I know that my husband is in heaven saying ‘Way to go, Moron!’ I am so humbled and honored to know such a wonderful and unselfish friend.”

Marty has been an avid biker and charity rider since 2008 but hadn’t heard of multiple myeloma or the MMRF until Roy’s diagnosis in 2011. He was then drawn to the MMRF for its highly regarded work to find a cure and discovered the Run/Bike/Tri Your Own Race Program which supports athletes with any race in any place through the MMRF PowerTeam. Marty plans to make a stop on his route up the coast at the MMRF office in Norwalk, Connecticut on Friday, June 29, where he will be cheered on by many of the staffers who have helped him plan out his ride. Other PowerTeam members are invited to cycle with him along the journey. For more information, email Enduranceevents@themmrf.org.